The patents are directed to a technique for performing mass spectrometry analysis on proteins in tissue that has been preserved in paraffin. The technology enables researchers to more easily study formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue for life sciences research and drug development.

Maldi imaging was originally developed to analyze fresh, frozen tissue sections, but the analysis of preserved FFPE tissue sections is becoming increasingly important because of methodological improvements. An antigen-retrieval pretreatment for FFPE tissue is now widely accepted in the Maldi imaging community.

“We hope that this license agreement will accelerate the research in Maldi imaging of FFPE tissue, and enable it to ultimately become a valuable diagnostic tool,” said Dr. Todd Fruchterman, senior vice president of R&D and chief medical officer for 3M Health Care.